At some point in their divorce, couples divide the marital estate, which are their assets and liabilities, and memorialize the arrangement in a marital settlement agreement. At a minimum, this agreement divides what the couple owns and what they owe, jointly and as individuals, and establishes the terms and conditions of support, life and medical insurance, and the legal and physical custody of their children, visitation, and support. To do this, the couple needs the financial records of their marriage. This means all the assets and all the liabilities regardless of whose name is on them.

On the asset side, this includes, but is not necessarily limited to:

Income tax returns for at least the last three years (federal, state and local)

Proof of both spouses’ income (w-2 and 1099 forms)

Statements of any financial accounts, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, mutual funds and money market accounts

All real estate records, including the martial home and unimproved land, (particularly related paperwork such as the deed, the promissory note, mortgage, statement from the lender showing the balance due, any appraisals of property, and the most recent tax bill)